The Elephant Trail

During the entire cycling tour, there will be a car accompanying you, carrying your luggage and offering water and fruits. In case of need, you may jump into the car during any point of cycling.

Cochin
760km
15 days
Medium
Cochin

Arrival : Cochin

No. of Days : 15

Cycling Distance : 760km approximately

Difficulty: Medium

Departure: Cochin

Climate: Tropical. Day temperature 30 – 32; night: above 20 degrees.During the main tourist season from September to April there are almost no rain showers.

Tour Dates :

2016 : 15.10.2016- 29.10.2016 , 21.12.16- 03.01.17

2017 : 22.12.2017-06.01.2018

2018 : 20.12.2018- 04.01.2018

Include

Water, snacks, light food during cycling

Tour Guidance By Cyclesouthindia

Accompanying car

Cycle

Accommodation

Breakfast

Not Included

Departure Taxes

Entry Fees

Personal Guide

Airport Transfers

From Our Gallery

1

Day 1 : Cochin

On arrival in Cochin we transfer to the Hotel. Around noon walk to Fort Cochin and its grandeurs of the colonial times. In the evening we will experience the famous Keralan cuisine for the first time whilst sitting by the sea with a view of the world famous Chinese fishing nets.

2

Day 2 : Cochin

After breakfast we collect our cycles. Warm-up trip on calm Sunday morning roads south of Cochin near the sea passing fishing villages and stretches of backwaters. In the evening we will attend a performance of classical Keralan Kathakkali Dance.

Total distance: 56 km

Incline: 40m incline

Difficulty: Easy

3

Day 3 : Cochin – Thattekad

At the gates of Cochin we will start the first real stage of our cycling tour. We will soon be admist the evergreen lovely Keralan countryside and will end it in the bird sanctuary at Thattekad.

Total distance: 52 km

Incline: 260m incline

Difficulty: Easy – Medium

4

Day 4 : Thattekad

What a day for cyclists! Just at the start we pass the entrance gate of the forest and begin an impressive steady but not too steep climb for the next 50 km through the rainforest, offering lots of unforgettable views.

Total distance: 54 km

Incline: 240 m incline

Difficulty: Easy – Medium

5

Day 5: Thattekad- Munnar

From here we cycle to Munnar, centre of tea manufacturing since the days of the British Empire. This is your chance to buy the real thing from its source !

Total distance: 78 km

Incline: 1650 m incline

Difficulty: Challenging

6

Day 6 : Munnar –Topstation -Munnar Town

Today’s trip will take us through magnificent scenery of tea, coffee, pepper and cardamom plantations. A feast for all the senses.

Total distance: 84 km

Incline: 660 m incline

Difficulty: Intermediate

7

Day 7 : Munnar - Theni

We cycle to Theni, known for large scale trading of garlic, cotton, cardamom, grapes and chilli. It hosts the fourth largest weekly market in South India.

Total distance: 86 km

Incline: 930 m incline

Difficulty: Challenging

8

Day 8 : Madurai

Day off for the tired cyclists feet! Transfer to Madurai

9

Day 9 : Madurai - Kumily

We continue to cycle through plantations and hilly forests on little roads along the Tamil border towards Kumily. After a final downhill section we reach Pepper County , our homestay amidst a spice plantation with magnificent views into the valley in front of us.The owner himself will introduce us to the many varieties of spices and tropical fruits in his garden.

Total distance: 142 km

Incline: 850 m incline

Difficulty: Challenging

10

Day 10 : Kumily – Kanjirappally

We manage a last ascent in the morning, followed by an impressive 20 km downhill ride as we lose some 1000m of altitude and finally reach the land of rubber.

Total distance: 70 km

Incline: 600 m incline

Difficulty: Intermdediate

11

Day 11 : Kanjirappally – Alleppey

We will meet some rubber tappers in the morning to watch the first step of producing rubber. After a section of easy undulations we reach the Backwaters at Chaganacherry and proceed to the nearby traditional Keralan house of Josey, where a houseboat is already waiting for us. Check-in on the boat and start of a 1 night Backwaters cruise.

Total distance: 65 km

Incline: 400 m incline

Difficulty: Intermediate

12

Day 12 : Alleppey

After check-out from the boat we mount our bicycles one last time for a relaxed tour through villages along Vembanad Lake and the beaches of Malabar coast. On our way we stop for a swim in the sea and learn about traditional coir making.

Total distance: 50 km

Incline: no incline

Difficulty: Easy

13

Day 13 Alleppey

After check-out from the boat we mount our bicycles one last time for a relaxed tour through villages along Vembanad Lake and the beaches of Malabar coast. On our way we stop for a swim in the sea and learn about traditional coir making.

Total distance: 50 km

Incline: no incline

Difficulty: easy

14

Day 14 Alleppey

The day will recharge you as you stay in a little bit of paradise. Use the different opportunities to relax, to enjoy the healthy Keralan cuisine and to learn about life in the backwaters. Feel free to attend classes in traditional Keralan cooking offered by Lisa, watch Josey while fishing or try it yourself, use the day for another swim in the sea or a last shopping opportunity in Alleppey town.